AN ENERGY boss has reinforced calls to install solar panels on all new-builds and housing developments in Wales.

And Gareth Jones, Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders for Wales, insists safety must be top priority following a series of incidents in past months, notably a solar panel battery fire on Anglesey.

Gareth, Managing Director of award-winning Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph, Mochdre, Llandudno and Deeside – backed the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales’s (NICW) plea for a review of national building regulations.

They say there must be change if 100% of electricity is to be supplied by renewable energy by 2035.

“It makes total sense for new buildings – especially larger structures that use a lot of energy – to be fitted with solar panels, it is the most cost-effective approach and of course vital for the future of our planet,” said Gareth.

“But it must be done with health and safety in mind given the high number of installers joining the sector that do not have the proper experience and accreditation.

“Installing them in a loft space for example, where temperatures soar in the summer, or the examples we’ve seen of people haphazardly placing panels on roofs without using scaffolding or safety harnesses.

“This problem needs to be fixed, especially as the industry is moving more and more towards renewables – standards need to be kept high to meet that demand.”

New data from the MCS revealed in the first six months of 2023, more than 120,000 certified solar panels, heat pumps and other renewable technologies were installed in UK homes, the highest number ever.

And with the NICW urging Welsh Government to present a plan for energy leading up to 2050, Gareth said much needs to be done immediately to combat issues swirling around the energy arena.

“I have lived and breathed this industry for the last 15 years, so from a health and safety perspective, and a financial and environmental perspective, it is crucial both governments get it right,” he said.

Reflecting on recent incidents, Gareth added: “Solar and battery systems are not fit and forget systems, despite some companies selling them like that.

“They need inspecting regularly by a competent person. If you have a system in a loft right now, get a hard-wired smoke alarm fitted immediately and ensure you have a reputable organisation scheduled for regular maintenance and inspection.

“As a sector we must safeguard the future of our customers, both now and long-term by adopting safely installed renewable energy across the country.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

A LEADING voice in the solar sector urged businesses to switch to renewable energy now or risk closure due to soaring costs.

Across the UK, the combined triple threat of rising gas and electricity bills, supply chain issues and a decrease in consumer spending is hitting the private sector hard.

With no sign of a U-turn in sight, Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the Carbon Zero Group based in Old Colwyn, St Asaph, Mochdre, Llandudno and Deeside – warned business owners they need to move to solar power and sustainable alternatives before it’s too late.

A report by Experian revealed up to a third of SMEs in the UK will be unable to absorb the continuing rise in costs, and Gareth believes for their long-term survival, people can no longer “bury their heads in the sand”.

Elsewhere, the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) revealed in the last year, more than 367,300 businesses in the UK have been forced to shut down.

“This number is staggering but what we don’t know is how many of them closed due to increased costs mainly down to energy price increases. My guess is quite a high number,” said Gareth.

Current Vice President of the Federation of Master Builders for Wales and Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council, he added: “It is vital companies make a switch to renewable energy now, rather than waiting and waiting to see if the price of gas and electricity will fall, because even if it does, long-term that’s not the solution.

“From a financial and environmental perspective, moving away from traditional fuel and energy is the right path because we have already seen so many firms make difficult decisions and even close because the cost-of-living crisis has had such a rapid and detrimental impact, with gas and electricity bills one of the key factors.

“Obviously for any business these bills are going up and up, and larger organisations such as manufacturers with multiple sites or a huge premises are going to be hit hard.

“This is the time to get serious, because for some they will likely need planning permission, they’ll need more solar panels and a bigger system, and that takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight.

“Some large projects can take up to 12 months to get to installation phase. However, smaller commercial projects can be installed within three months depending on our workload, and we have to factor in potential shortages of equipment during peak times – the sooner solar panels are installed, the sooner you make savings.”

Gareth believes any business owner that’s not thinking long term and at lowering their carbon footprint needs a reality check.

“We are meeting with dozens of businesses owners a week, helping them navigate these tough times,” he said.

“We are not saying this to worry people, we see the repercussions every day and are here for them. There is assistance out there, so pick up the phone. We need to come together and avoid any more businesses disappearing because in this volatile market, the problem is not going to go away.”

Carbon Zero Renewables is forging new partnerships in different industries – notably retail, tourism, and hospitality – and Gareth says more and more people are seeing the benefits ahead of the summer months.

“Whatever the business, energy is a big part of it, and this is the time to make key decisions, before the colder autumn and winter period,” he added.

“Solar panels are reliable – it doesn’t have to be a bright sunny, day for them to work – and we can forecast quite easily how much it’s going to generate and save per year, whatever the geographical location, giving customers peace of mind.

“Ultimately, for holiday parks, big retail units, business estates and buildings of that size it could save tens of thousands over a period of years, so we hope people will start to make the move, for their bottom line and for the environment. The systems we are installing are the latest technology and the also some of the safest on the market.”

One company to have taken that advice is Palins Holiday Park in Kinmel Bay, whose park manager Louis Ellis said: “We are moving to become a greener and more energy efficient site so installing solar panels was the natural next step as we look to continue lowering our carbon footprint and energy costs and becoming an even more sustainable business.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

CONSUMERS must ensure they are not in the dark when buying solar panels and energy products following a rise in cowboy installers.

Gareth Jones, Vice President for the Federation of Master Builders Wales and Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables, is concerned unlicensed and inexperienced companies and individuals are entering the market and capitalising on a boom in green energy due to the increasing cost of gas and electricity.

Carbon Zero Renewables – which has sites in Deeside, Mochdre, St Asaph and a new Old Colwyn headquarters – has experienced a surge in business and taken on staff to meet demand, but Gareth is more focused on shining a light on the possible pitfalls facing homeowners.

“The industry has seen a rise in the number of installers popping up out of nowhere and disappearing again, which, if there is an issue with the panels, leaves the customer with nowhere else to go,” he said.

“We are also hearing of more and more people buying solar panels online and trying to install them themselves, which is a bad idea as insurance companies recommend all installations are done by qualified and certified experts.

“The long-term benefits of renewable energy are positive from an economic and environmental perspective, so people are better doing things the correct way with a credible supplier the first time, so they don’t have to do it again at extra cost.”

A Net Zero Ambassador for the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council’s new Net Zero North Wales network, Gareth added: “The number of calls we’ve had from homeowners wanting advice because they haven’t been given the correct guidance and the installer isn’t around anymore, is quite frightening.

“This happened in 2015 when there was a similar problem, an influx of new suppliers flooded the market, sold the cheapest products, made some money, and disappeared.

“Given the cost-of-living crisis people cannot afford to be duped, they must do their research and due diligence because this isn’t like buying a toaster, it’s a big investment that if done right can save money and lower your carbon footprint.”

Gareth also revealed – following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request – that fire crews battled an average of 10 solar panel-related fires each month this year across the UK.

“It is so important people have the safest equipment installed or the very least fitted by an accredited company. The average solar panel claim can cost around £8,000 and one claim in 2020 caused £1.5million of damage and made 30 people temporarily homeless at a block of flats in Kent.

“Consumers needs to do their homework and the cheapest quotation isn’t always the best. Sometimes itis cheap for a reason so people must make sure they are getting like-for-like quotes.

“You need to know what you are buying and what the warranties are, this is really important. If it goes wrong who is the warranty with?”

Gareth concluded it is also crucial customers know the difference between a 10-year guarantee and a 10-year warranty; the guarantee is done by a third party – such as an insurance company – and the warranty by the company, but if the company no longer exists where do you turn?

He added: “There is a lot of ill advice out there, and let’s be honest, how many people check what panels are on their roof, or know what happens if one breaks?

“One size does not fit all when it comes to renewable energy, every property is different, so every system needs to be as well – if anyone has any concerns please get in touch because it’s time we came together and resolved this issue at a time when so many families are already struggling.”

For support, guidance, and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website www.carbonzerorenewables.co.uk or call 08450 34 35 40.

A SHINING light in the solar industry has given green energy tax cuts a watchful welcome and revealed customer demand will lead to further growth in the coming months.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak slashed the VAT on renewable options such as solar panels, insulation, and heat pumps to zero during his Spring statement, saving homeowners a reported £1000+ over the next five years.

Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – said the move has given him fresh confidence in the sector and was a “positive start” but far more needs to be done to steer families towards long-term sustainable alternatives.

“Especially now, with the cost of living and energy prices spiralling out of control, the situation is unacceptable for millions of people across the country,” he added.

“From our perspective this is good news, solar energy is a big part of our business and to have five years of security on that side has given me renewed optimism for the future of the industry. It allows us to invest further in our sites and staff, including taking on new team members to keep up with the growth.

“By eliminating the VAT, people with renewable energy in their homes will pay less – and with the rising price and uncertainty around imported fossil fuels being a major crisis – this is a move in the right direction from the UK Government.

“Steps are being taken, but not quickly enough, and I think when the Winter kicks in we will see people once again struggle with whether to ‘heat or eat’ and make very difficult choices that will impact on their health and wellbeing.

“I just hope – like many in the industry – that this is the start of an era where we move away from the traditional, expensive and damaging energy sources to clean, green energy that is more affordable, better for the environment and more efficient for future generations.”

Earlier this year, Carbon Zero recruited extra staff to cope with a surge in enquiries from homeowners and businesses for solar panels.

Gareth said this most recent announcement will see them take on even more employees in 2022.

A board member at the Federation of Master Builders and North Wales Past President, he added:

“At the moment our priority is the supply chain and access to materials given the massive rise in interest over past weeks.

“We have secured thousands of panels with our buying power, but time will tell if it’s enough.

“We are getting so many calls we’ve had to bring in other members of the UK Leisure Living team to help and can only get out to see customers who are committed to having solar panels installed in the very near future, and not just considering it.

“That’s not how we normally do things, but this is an unprecedented situation and there is a lot of urgency, so we can’t afford to waste a second.

“This trend looks set to continue so if anyone does have any concerns or questions please get in touch and we will do everything we can to help you.”

Recent reports revealed British homes are among the draughtiest in Europe, with millions of properties in need of upgrading if the UK is to stay on track for net zero carbon emissions.

For support, guidance and more information on renewable energy options, visit the website Solar Panels North Wales & North West – Carbon Zero (carbonzerorenewables.co.uk) or call 08450 34 35 40.

AN UNPRECEDENTED rise in gas and electricity bills has led to even greater demand for solar energy.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – is taking on more staff to cope with a surge in enquiries, having experienced their busiest ever January.

Following the announcement householders will pay 54% more on average for their energy from April – and a further increase expected in October – long-term investment in a sustainable alternative is becoming more and more popular.

And with a move towards electric and hybrid vehicles, most people – particularly business owners – should commit now to save themselves further financial pressure, according to Managing Director Gareth Jones.

“The new price cap is going to make life very difficult for homeowners and companies in fixed contracts which for years had been affordable but could now treble,” said Gareth.

“We are already hearing horror stories from big energy using businesses on how their bill is doubling or in some cases tripling.

“A £100,000 power bill to a £300,000 power bill may mean some are no longer viable, so this is a major problem.”

He added: “Solar panels are an investment and for those people looking further ahead they will be the most viable option, especially as advances in electric continue to take place and more people install high-energy items at their properties, such as car-charging ports, air source heat pumps and hot tubs.

“That has been reflected in our sales as 2022 started with a flurry of orders and the coming months look even busier. We are seeing the interest this winter I would expect to see in the summer, which is incredible.

“Orders are also a lot bigger than ever before, so we will be taking on a new business development manager, a project manager and other roles will be created in the summer if things continue like this.”

The moneysavingexpert.com website – founded by consumer champion Martin Lewis – discussed the pros and cons of renewable alternatives and said: “as well as saving you money on your energy bills, solar panels can still generate some electricity on gloomy days”, adding that “savings depend on system size, electricity use, whether you’re at home during the day to use the energy you’re producing and other factors”.

Gareth, a board member at the Federation of Master Builders and North Wales Past President, said:

“There are still myths around solar, the biggest one being it only works when the sun is shining.

“While more energy will be generated in hot weather, the panels still produce all year-round so if people are at home in the day – and more are due to a change in working conditions because of the pandemic – then they could capitalise on free power by then doing their washing and other household chores they would usually do at night.

“There are many benefits, but right now with so many people concerned as to what the future will bring the most important thing is clear communication and help for those who need it most.”

He added: “I’ve spoken previously about the lack of infrastructure nationally to cope with the electric agenda and it’s still way off. The Prime Minister’s team even confirmed that in recent correspondence I had with them.

“The Government has to do more to get on board and help future-proof our homes and business because this problem isn’t going to go away.

“We are on hand to speak to people who are worried, who need more information on solar or don’t know which way to turn at the current time – get in touch anytime, the team at Carbon Zero Renewables are here to help.”

For support, guidance and more information, visit the website Solar Panels North Wales & North West – Carbon Zero (carbonzerorenewables.co.uk) or call 08450 34 35 40.

NOTES: MoneySavingExpert article on solar energy: www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/

AN AWARD-WINNING renewable energy business has experienced a 1000% surge in orders for solar panels in past weeks.

As consumers face a 30% rise in gas and electricity prices next year and independent utility companies go bust, more and more people are turning to net zero alternatives.

Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – has witnessed this first-hand following a huge increase in demand for solar roof panels.

Managing Director Gareth Jones questioned the UK Government’s decision to rapidly pursue its electric agenda – notably hybrid vehicles and a move from gas in homes to electric-based heating, such as heat pumps – and urged them to support families struggling to make the switch while coping with fuel poverty and soaring costs.

“I applaud the Government for encouraging people to move towards low carbon methods and electric cars, but we simply do not have the network infrastructure to meet demand,” said Gareth.

“People are getting in touch with us every day; we’ve seen an unbelievable spike in orders as they want to get away from traditional energy and move to renewables, despite no Government incentives because they were scrapped several years ago.

“They should be helping people who are looking at long-term future-proofing of their homes, use different strategies hand in hand and do so sustainably, to avoid mistakes being repeated. I think the Government has its priorities wrong.

“It’s all well and good transitioning to electric cars and air source heat pumps but we don’t have the electric capacity now, never mind in five to 10 years. The Government needs to support solar and get homes and businesses generating and consuming power at the source.”

Price comparison site Compare the Market revealed energy prices have trebled since 2001 – the average cost of domestic gas has risen by 221%, compared to 193% for electricity.

And the numbers look set to go up again, with regulator Ofgem concerned more British energy suppliers could cease to exist due to a surge in wholesale prices and “continued volatility” in the market.

With energy prices at an all-time high – a large domestic solar PV system could save consumers upwards of £800 a year – Gareth insists solar energy is the long-term answer as part of consumers’ energy mix.

“We are in a strong position and have plenty of stock in store, so there are no supply chain issues, unlike many sectors struggling to obtain materials,” he added.

“There has never been a better time to switch to solar, and with turbulence over prices set to continue we encourage people to get in touch soon because the benefits will be experienced immediately.

“Businesses can see a four-year return on investment right now by going solar powered, the savings are incredible.

“There is a misconception about solar energy, and while we can’t control the weather we stand by solar as a reliable energy source for homes and businesses at a time of great uncertainty for consumers in the UK.

“We want to help and are on hand if anyone has any questions or concerns.”

For support, guidance and more information, visit the website Solar Panels North Wales & North West – Carbon Zero (carbonzerorenewables.co.uk) or call 08450 34 35 40.